Process Equipment Contaminant Removal

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, method and system remove contaminants from a vapor. In an embodiment, a contaminant removal apparatus includes a vacuum box. The vacuum box is a vessel. The apparatus also includes a demister pad disposed in the vacuum box. A vapor is introduced to the vacuum box on an opposing side of the demister pad from a vapor exit from the vacuum box.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation that claims the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/113,689 filed on Aug. 27, 2018, which is acontinuation application that claims benefit of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/384,114 filed on Dec. 19, 2016 that issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,065,150 on Sep. 4, 2018, which is a continuation application thatclaims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/512,983 filed on Oct.13, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part application that claims thebenefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/083,079 filed on Nov. 18, 2013that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,338 on Aug. 16, 2016, which is acontinuation application that claims the benefit of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/650,609 filed on Oct. 12, 2012 that issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,613,895 on Dec. 24, 2013, which is a non-provisional application thatclaims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/546,105 filed on Oct.12, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of chemical and industrialfacilities and more specifically to removing water from a vapor using avacuum box.

Background of the Invention

There is an increased need for improving efficiency and reducingenvironmental concerns in the cleaning of industrial equipment such asprocess towers and the like. For instance, equipment holdinghydrocarbons or other contaminants is cleaned for a variety of reasonssuch as for maintenance or a plant turnaround. Such maintenance andplant turnarounds typically involve accessing the equipment. Before theequipment may be accessed, the hydrocarbons and other contaminants areoften removed from the equipment. A variety of conventional processeshave been used to remove the hydrocarbons and other contaminants fromthe equipment. Such conventional processes include using steam to removethe hydrocarbons and other contaminants. Drawbacks to such conventionalprocesses include disposal of the removed hydrocarbons and othercontaminants. For instance, the steam exiting the equipment (e.g.,process tower) may contain hydrocarbons and other contaminants.

Methods have been developed to dispose of such removed hydrocarbons andother contaminants. Such developments include processing the steam toremove the hydrocarbons and other contaminants. For instance, suchdevelopments include flaring the steam. Drawbacks to flaring the steaminclude environmental issues such as organic levels of the flare.

Consequently, there is a need for an improved method and system forcleaning process equipment. Further needs include improved methods andsystems for removing contaminants such as hydrocarbons from a vapor(e.g., steam). Additional needs include improved equipment for removinghydrocarbons and other contaminants from a vapor such as steam.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by acontaminant removal system having a vacuum box. A contaminated vaporfrom process equipment is introduced to the vacuum box. The contaminatedvapor includes steam and hydrocarbons. The vacuum box includes a waterremoval device. The water removal device removes water from thecontaminated vapor to provide water and a reduced water vapor. Thecontaminated vapor is introduced to the vacuum box below the waterremoval device. The water and the reduced water vapor are removed fromthe vacuum box. In addition, the water removal device is disposed in thevacuum box at an elevation below an elevation at which the reduced watervapor is removed from the vacuum box.

These and other needs in the art are addressed in another embodiment bya method for removing contaminants from process equipment. The methodincludes introducing steam to the process equipment to provide acontaminated vapor. The method also includes introducing thecontaminated vapor to a vacuum box. The contaminated vapor includessteam and hydrocarbons. The method further includes removing water fromthe contaminated vapor. The vacuum box includes a water removal device.The water removal device removes water from the contaminated vapor toprovide water and a reduced water vapor. In addition, the methodincludes removing the water and the reduced water vapor from the vacuumbox. The reduced water vapor is removed from the vacuum box at anelevation above an elevation at which the water removal device isdisposed in the vacuum box.

In addition, these and other needs in the art are addressed by acontaminant removal apparatus. The contaminant removal apparatusincludes a vacuum box. The vacuum box includes a vessel. The contaminantremoval apparatus also includes a demister pad disposed in the vacuumbox. A vapor is introduced to the vacuum box on an opposing side of thedemister pad from a vapor exit from the vacuum box.

Further, these and other needs in the art are addressed by a method forremoving contaminants from process equipment. The method includesintroducing steam to the process equipment to provide a contaminatedvapor. The method also includes introducing the contaminated vapor to avacuum box, wherein the contaminated vapor comprises steam andhydrocarbons. The method further includes removing water from thecontaminated vapor, wherein the vacuum box comprises a water removaldevice, and wherein the water removal device removes water from thecontaminated vapor to provide water and a reduced water vapor. Inaddition, the method includes removing the water and the reduced watervapor from the vacuum box, wherein the reduced water vapor is removedfrom an opposing side of the vacuum box from a side of the vacuum box atwhich the contaminated water is introduced to the vacuum box.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as abasis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out thesame purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized bythose skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal system havinga vacuum box;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal system havingtwo vacuum boxes in a parallel configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal system havingtwo vacuum boxes in a series configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal system havingvacuum boxes disposed in series and parallel configurations;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal system havinga vacuum box and a distributor; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum box in which the waterremoval device includes weirs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal system 5 havingprocess equipment 10 and vacuum box 15. Embodiments include using steamto remove contaminants from process equipment 10. Water 40 is removedfrom the vapor (e.g., contaminated vapor 30) exiting process equipment10 by vacuum box 15. By vacuum box 15 removing water 40 fromcontaminated vapor 30, the vapor (e.g., reduced water vapor 35) isavailable for further processing such as by a thermal destruction device20.

In embodiments as shown in FIG. 1, vacuum box 15 includes any vesselsuitable for allowing a vacuum to be pulled on a vapor and in whichwater is to be removed from the vapor. In embodiments, contaminatedvapor 30 exits process equipment 10 and is introduced to vacuum box 15.A vacuum is created in vacuum box 15 as contaminated vapor 30 flowsthrough and exits vacuum box 15.

In embodiments, vacuum box 15 is a pressure vessel. It is to beunderstood that a pressure vessel is a closed container used to holdliquids, gases, and/or vapors at a pressure substantially different thanthe ambient pressure. Without limitation, a pressure vessel may be avessel that is a closed container of limited length, as compared to theindefinite length of piping. Pressure vessels may be constructed of anysufficient material including, but not limited to steel, ceramic,concrete, plastic, graphite, carbon fiber, composites thereof, or anycombinations thereof. Additionally, pressure vessels may be lined withany sufficient material including, but not limited to ceramic, glass,rubber, plastics, rare metals, composites thereof, or any combinationsthereof. Without limitation, a pressure vessel may comprise any shape,examples of which may include spheres, cylinders, or cones.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in embodiments, vacuum box 15includes water removal device 45, which removes water 40 from thecontaminated vapor 30 as it flows through vacuum box 15. Water removaldevice 45 includes any device suitable for removing water from a vapor.In an embodiment, water removal device 45 is a demister pad. Anydemister pad configuration suitable for removing the water may be used.In embodiments, the demister pad includes orifices through which thevapor passes, with the removed water collected in bottom portion 75 ofvacuum box 15. In an embodiment, the demister pad extends abouthorizontally across vacuum box 15. The demister pad may be attached tovacuum box 15 by any suitable means. In an embodiment, clips are securedto vacuum box 15, and the demister pad is attached to the clips. Theclips may be secured to vacuum box 15 by any suitable means such as bywelds, adhesives, bolts, and the like. In an embodiment, the clips arewelded to vacuum box 15. The demister pad is attached to the clips byany suitable means such as by welds, adhesives, bolts, and the like. Inan embodiment, the demister pad is attached to the clips by bolts. It isto be understood that vacuum box 15 is not limited to a configurationwith the demister pad extending horizontally but in alternativeembodiments may include other configurations of disposing the demisterpad in vacuum box 15. In some embodiments, suitable vessels existing atthe industrial facility are modified (i.e., on-site) to produce vacuumbox 15.

As shown in the embodiments of FIG. 1 in which water removal device 45is a demister pad, contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum box 15below water removal device 45 and above the water level in vacuum box15. In alternative embodiments, contaminated vapor 30 is introduced tovacuum box 15 about at the water level in vacuum box 15. In embodiments,water removal device 45 is disposed at an elevation in vacuum box 15that is below the elevation at which reduced water vapor 35 exits vacuumbox 15. In embodiments, contaminant removal system 5 has a back flowvalve 65 on the feed of contaminated vapor 30 to vacuum box 15. Backflow valve 65 prevents the back flow of water from vacuum box 15 intothe feed line of contaminated vapor 30 to vacuum box 15. Back flow valve65 may be any valve suitable for preventing the flow of water back intothe feed of contaminated vapor 30 to vacuum box 15. In embodiments, backflow valve 65 is a one-way valve. In embodiments, back flow valve 65 isa check valve. In an embodiment, vacuum box 15 has water levelmeasurement device 70. Water level measurement device 70 may be anydevice suitable for measuring the level of water in vacuum box 15.Without limitation, examples of water level measurement devices 70 are alevel sensor, a floating water level measuring device, a sight level, orany combinations thereof. In embodiments, water level measurement device70 is a floating water level measuring device.

In embodiments of operation of vacuum box 15 as shown in FIG. 1,contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to bottom portion 75 of vacuum box15 and flows from bottom portion 75 through water removal device 45(i.e., through the orifices in demister pad) and into upper portion 80of vacuum box 15. A portion or all of the water in contaminated vapor 30is separated from the vapor and remains in bottom portion 75 withreduced water vapor 35 exiting vacuum box 15. Water level measuringdevice 70 measures the level of water in bottom portion 75. When thelevel is about at a target water level, water 40 is drained from vacuumbox 15. In some embodiments, water level measuring device 70 and thedraining of water 40 from vacuum box 15 are automated. Such automationmay be by any suitable methods. Water 40 may be drained by any suitablemeans. In embodiments, bottom 105 of vacuum box 5 has one or more drainsvalves (not illustrated). In some embodiments, side 85 and/or side 110may have one or more drain valves (not illustrated). The target waterlevel may be any desired level. In embodiments, the target water levelis about at or below the elevation at which contaminated vapor 30 isintroduced to vacuum box 15. In some embodiments, the target level isabout at or below the elevation at which contaminated vapor 30 isintroduced to vacuum box 15 and between about 50 percent and about 85percent of the height of bottom portion 75, alternatively about at orbelow the elevation at which contaminated vapor 30 is introduced tovacuum box 15 and between about 70 percent and about 80 percent of theheight of bottom portion 75. The target level may also be any height orranges of heights included within the above ranges.

As further shown in FIG. 1, embodiments of contaminant removal system 5include reduced water vapor 35 being removed from side 85 of vacuum box15. In embodiments, side 85 is on the opposing side of vacuum box 15from side 110 at which contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum box15. Without limitation, such location of the exit of reduced water vapor35 may reduce or prevent crimp in a hose in embodiments in which reducedwater vapor 35 exits vacuum box 15 via a hose. Further, withoutlimitation, such location of the exit of reduced water vapor 35 mayreduce or prevent water splash.

In some embodiments of contaminant removal system 5, contaminated vapor30 is introduced into vacuum box 15 at entry angle 90. Entry angle 90may be any desired angle. In embodiments, entry angle 90 is from about30 degrees to about 90 degrees, alternatively from about 45 degrees toabout 90 degrees, and alternatively from about 30 degrees to about 60degrees, and further alternatively from about 45 degrees to about 65degrees, and alternatively about 45 degrees. In embodiments, entry angle90 is any angle or range of angles within the range of angles above.

In embodiments as shown in FIG. 6, water removal device 45 includesweirs 95. Weirs 95 may be disposed at any suitable location for removingwater from contaminated vapor 30. In some embodiments as shown, weirs 95are perpendicular to top 100 and bottom 105 of vacuum box 15. Inembodiments, weirs 95 are solid.

In embodiments, contaminant removal system 5 includes sampling water 40before removal from vacuum box 15. The sampling may be accomplished byany suitable means. In embodiments, contaminant removal system 5 mayinclude a sample port disposed on one or more drains. In someembodiments, a sample port may be disposed on the line (i.e., hose) bywhich water 40 is drained from vacuum box 15. In an embodiment, water 40is tested for chemical oxygen demand (e.g., COD). In embodiments, water40 is drained to a container (not illustrated) and tested.

In further embodiments of contaminant removal system 5 as shown in FIG.1, contaminant removal system 5 includes blowers 115. Blowers 115 may beany suitable device for increasing pressure on contaminated vapor 30and/or reduced water vapor 35. In embodiments, blowers 115 arecompressors. In embodiments, one or more blowers 115 may operate oncontaminated vapor 30, and/or one or more blowers 115 may operate onreduced water vapor 35. Without limitation, blowers 115 have sufficientstrength to maintain movement of the vapors (i.e., contaminated vapor 30and reduced water vapor 35). Further, without limitation, maintainingsuch movement prevents or reduces condensation in a line.

In an embodiment of operation of contaminant removal system 5 as shownin FIG. 1, steam 25 is fed to process equipment 10. Steam 25 may be fedto process equipment 10 under any suitable conditions to removehydrocarbons and other contaminants from process equipment 10. Acommercial example of a suitable steam process is VAPOUR-PHASE®, whichis a registered trademark of United Laboratories International, LLC.Steam 25 enters process equipment 10 and removes a portion or all of thehydrocarbons and other contaminants in process equipment 10. Inembodiments, steam and an oxidizer enter process equipment 10 and removea portion or all of the hydrocarbons and other contaminants in processequipment 10. Steam 25 with the hydrocarbons and other contaminantsexits process equipment 10 as contaminated vapor 30. Contaminated vapor30 is introduced to vacuum box 15. Contaminated vapor 30 flows throughvacuum box 15 creating a vacuum in vacuum box 15. In embodiments, ascontaminated vapor 30 passes through vacuum box 15 in a vacuum, waterremoval device 45 (e.g., demister pad) facilitates removal of a portionor all of the water in contaminated vapor 30. The water collects atbottom portion 75. In some embodiments (not illustrated), a pump orpumps may facilitate removal of water 40 from vacuum box 15. The pumpsmay be any suitable type of pump such as, without limitation, diaphragmpumps. Reduced water vapor 35 exits vacuum box 15 and may be furtherprocessed. In some embodiments, a portion or all of the hydrocarbons andother contaminants exit vacuum box 15 with reduced water vapor 35.Without limitation, the hydrocarbons and other contaminants leave withthe gas because of the high temperatures involved. In an embodiment asshown, reduced water vapor 35 is fed to thermal destruction device 20.

Thermal destruction device 20 may be any device suitable for thermallydestroying reduced water vapor 35. Without limitation, examples ofthermal destruction devices 20 include thermal oxidizers, incinerators,and the like. Any thermal oxidizer may be used that is suitable forincinerating reduced water vapor 35. Without limitation, examples ofthermal oxidizers include electric thermal oxidizers, gas fueled thermaloxidizers, and catalytic thermal oxidizers.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal system 5 havinga parallel vacuum box 15 configuration. In such an embodiment,contaminant removal system 5 includes two vacuum boxes 15, 15′ withcontaminated vapor 30 being introduced to both. Vacuum boxes 15, 15′ maybe the same size and configuration or different sizes andconfigurations. In an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15′ are of the samesize and configuration. Waters 40, 40′ are removed from contaminatedvapor 30 by vacuum boxes 15, 15′, and reduced water vapors 35, 35′ exitvacuum boxes 15, 15′. Water removal devices 45, 45′ facilitate removalof waters 40, 40′. In embodiments as shown, reduced water vapor 35 isfed to thermal destruction device 20, and reduced water vapor 35′ is fedto thermal destruction device 20′. In other embodiments (notillustrated), reduced water vapors 35, 35′ may be fed to the samethermal destruction device. In an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15′ aredisposed on the same transportation means (e.g., both disposed on thesame trailer). In other embodiments, vacuum boxes 15, 15′ are disposedon different transportation means.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal system 5 havinga series vacuum box 15 configuration. In such an embodiment, contaminantremoval system 5 includes two vacuum boxes 15, 15′ in the seriesconfiguration. Vacuum boxes 15, 15′ may be the same size andconfiguration or different sizes and configurations. In an embodiment,vacuum boxes 15, 15′ are of the same size and configuration. In someembodiments, each successive vacuum box is smaller than the previousvacuum box. In the embodiment as shown, contaminated vapor 30 isintroduced to vacuum box 15 in which water removal device 45 (e.g.,demister pad) facilitates removal of water 40 from contaminated vapor30. Reduced water vapor 35 is then introduced to vacuum box 15′ in whichwater removal device 45′ facilitates removal of water 40′ from reducedwater vapor 35. Reduced water vapor 35 flowing through vacuum box 15′facilitates a vacuum in vacuum box 15′. Further reduced water vapor 50exits vacuum box 15′. In embodiments as shown, further reduced watervapor 50 is fed to thermal destruction device 20. In an embodiment,vacuum boxes 15, 15′ are disposed on the same transportation means(e.g., both disposed on the same trailer). In other embodiments, vacuumboxes 15, 15′ are disposed on different transportation means.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal system 5 havinga parallel and series vacuum box 15 configuration. In such anembodiment, contaminant removal system 5 includes vacuum boxes 15, 15′in the series configuration with each other and vacuum boxes 15″, 15′″in the series configuration with each other. Vacuum boxes 15, 15′ are inthe parallel configuration to vacuum boxes 15″, 15′″. Vacuum boxes 15,15′, 15″, 15′″ may be the same size and configuration or different sizesand configurations. In an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15″ are of thesame size and configuration, and vacuum boxes 15′ and 15′″ (e.g., thesuccessive vacuum boxes) are of a smaller size. In the embodiment asshown, contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum boxes 15, 15″ inwhich water removal devices 45, 45″ (e.g., demister pads) facilitateremoval of waters 40, 40″ from contaminated vapor 30. Reduced watervapors 35, 35′ are then introduced to the successive (e.g., downstream)vacuum boxes 15′, 15′″ in which water removal devices 45′, 45′″facilitate removal of waters 40′, 40′″ from reduced water vapors 35,35′. Further reduced water vapors 50, 50′ exit vacuum boxes 15′, 15′″.In embodiments as shown, further reduced water vapors 50, 50′ areintroduced to thermal destruction devices 20, 20′. In alternativeembodiments (not shown), further reduced water vapors 50, 50′ areintroduced to the same thermal destruction device 20. Vacuum boxes 15,15′, 15″, and 15′″ may all be disposed on the same transportation means(e.g., all disposed on the same trailer) or on two or moretransportation means. In embodiments, vacuum boxes 15, 15′, 15″, 15′″are all disposed on the same transportation means. In other embodiments,vacuum boxes 15, 15′ are both disposed on the same transportation means,and vacuum boxes 15″, 15′″ are both disposed on another transportationmeans.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal system 5 inwhich reduced water vapor 35 is fed to distributor 55. Distributor 55may include any means suitable for separating reduced water vapor 35into different vapor streams 60. In an embodiment, distributor 55 is amanifold. Distributor 55 may separate water vapor 35 into any desirednumber of vapor streams 60. In embodiments (not illustrated), each vaporstream 60 may be sent to a different downstream purpose such as, withoutlimitation, one or more different thermal destruction devices 20. Insome embodiments (not illustrated), contaminated vapor 30 may beintroduced to distributor 55 prior to being fed to one or more than onevacuum box 15.

In an embodiment, vacuum box 15 is transportable. Vacuum box 15 may betransportable by any suitable means. Without limitation, examples ofsuch means include by disposing vacuum box 15 on the bed of a vehicle(e.g., truck), on a trailer (e.g., attachable to a truck), or a freightwagon (e.g., a freight wagon attachable to a train locomotive). In anembodiment, vacuum box 15 is disposed on the bed of a trailer. Withoutlimitation, a transportable vacuum box 15 allows vacuum box 15 to beused with different process equipment 10 in the facility. In addition, atransportable vacuum box 15 allows vacuum box 15 to be disposed in adesired close proximity to process equipment 10.

In some embodiments, process equipment 10 includes any equipment used inan industrial facility such as a refinery or chemical plant. In anembodiment, process equipment 10 includes any equipment that may havehydrocarbons. In embodiments, process equipment 10 includes a processtower, tanks, vessels, heat exchangers, and the like.

It is to be understood that embodiments of contaminant removal system 5are not limited to the number of vacuum boxes shown in the figures. Inalternative embodiments, contaminant removal system 5 may include anydesired number of vacuum boxes in parallel and/or in seriesconfigurations.

Contaminated vapor 30, reduced water vapor 35, further reduced watervapor 50, and vapor stream 60 may flow between equipment (i.e., fromprocess equipment 10 to vacuum box 15) by any suitable means. In anembodiment, such suitable means includes through hoses. In embodiments,the hoses are hoses that may operate with a vacuum. In some embodiments,the hoses are stainless steel braided hoses. In other embodiments, oneor more of the hoses has one or more valves. In embodiments, each hosehas a valve. In some embodiments, contaminant removal system 5 includeshard-piping instead of hoses.

Embodiments include using contaminant removal system 5 after processequipment 10 has been removed of heavy hydrocarbons (e.g., de-oiled),and remaining hydrocarbons and other contaminants are to be removed fromprocess equipment 10. The hydrocarbons and other contaminants may beremoved from process equipment 10 for any desired reason such as for aplant turnaround, maintenance, manual access to the process equipment,and the like.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A contaminant removal apparatus, comprising: afirst vacuum box, wherein the first vacuum box comprises a first vessel,wherein the first vessel comprises a top surface and a bottom surface; asecond vacuum box, wherein the second vacuum box comprises a secondvessel, wherein the second vessel comprises a second top surface and asecond bottom surface; a first water removal device disposed in thefirst vacuum box, wherein a portion of vapor is introduced to the firstvacuum box on an opposing side of the first water removal device from avapor exit from the first vacuum box. a second water removal devicedisposed in the second vacuum box, wherein a second portion of vapor isintroduced to the second vacuum box on an opposing side of the secondwater removal device from a second vapor exit from the second vacuumbox.
 2. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstvacuum box comprises a first pressure vessel and the second vacuum boxcomprises a second pressure vessel.
 3. The contaminant removal apparatusof claim 2, wherein the first and second pressure vessel comprise steel.4. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond vacuum box further comprise an entry angle, and wherein the entryangle is from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.
 5. The contaminantremoval apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second vacuum boxfurther comprise an entry angle, and wherein the entry angle is fromabout 45 degrees to about 90 degrees.
 6. The contaminant removalapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second vacuum box furthercomprise a target water level and a bottom portion, and wherein thetarget water level is about at or below an elevation at which theportion of vapor or second portion of vapor is introduced to the firstvacuum box or the second vacuum box.
 7. The contaminant removalapparatus of claim 6, wherein the target water level is between about50% and about 85% of a height of the bottom portion.
 8. The contaminantremoval apparatus of claim 6, wherein the target water level is betweenabout 70% and about 80% of a height of the bottom portion.
 9. Thecontaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first waterremoval device extends about horizontally across the first vacuum boxand the second water removal device extends horizontally across thesecond vacuum box.
 10. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a first and a second water level measurement device.11. A method for removing contaminants from process equipment,comprising: (A) introducing steam to the process equipment to provide acontaminated vapor; (B) introducing a portion of the contaminated vaporto a first vacuum box, wherein the portion of the contaminated vaporcomprises steam and hydrocarbons, wherein the first vacuum box comprisesa first pressure vessel; (C) introducing a second portion of thecontaminated vapor to a second vacuum box, wherein the second portion ofthe contaminated vapor comprises steam and hydrocarbons, wherein thesecond vacuum box comprises a second pressure vessel; (D) removing waterfrom the portion of the contaminated vapor, wherein the first vacuum boxcomprises a first water removal device, and wherein the first waterremoval device removes water from the portion of the contaminated vaporto provide water and a reduced water vapor; and (E) removing water fromthe second portion of the contaminated vapor, wherein the second vacuumbox comprises a second water removal device, and wherein the secondwater removal device removes water from the second portion of thecontaminated vapor to provide water and a second reduced water vapor;(F) removing the water and the reduced water vapor from the first vacuumbox, wherein the reduced water vapor is removed from an opposing side ofthe first vacuum box from a side of the first vacuum box at which theportion of the contaminated water is introduced to the first vacuum box.(G) removing the water and the second reduced water vapor from thesecond vacuum box, wherein the second reduced water vapor is removedfrom an opposing side of the second vacuum box from a side of the secondvacuum box at which the second portion of the contaminated water isintroduced to the second vacuum box.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe first and second pressure vessel comprise steel.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the contaminated vapor is introduced to the first andsecond vacuum box at an entry angle, and wherein the entry angle is fromabout 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.
 14. The method of claim 11,wherein the contaminated vapor is introduced to the first and secondvacuum box at an entry angle, and wherein the entry angle is from about45 degrees to about 90 degrees.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein thefirst and second vacuum box further comprise a target water level and abottom portion, and wherein the target water level is about at or belowan elevation at which the contaminated vapor is introduced to the firstand second vacuum box.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the targetwater level is between about 50% and about 85% of a height of the bottomportion.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the target water level isbetween about 70% and about 80% of a height of the bottom portion. 18.The method of claim 11, wherein the water is removed by a demister pad,and wherein the demister pad extends about horizontally across the firstand second vacuum box.
 19. The method of claim 11, further comprisingmeasuring a water level in the first and second vacuum box with a firstand second water level measurement device.
 20. The method of claim 11,wherein the first vacuum box and the second vacuum box are differentsizes.